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Minister of Water and Sanitation (DWS), Mr Senzo Mchunu on a working visit to Matjhabeng Local Municipality said that the issues of water and sanitation will be addressed immediately.

Minister Mchunu did not mince his words in a meeting with Matjhabeng Executive Mayor, Thanduxolo David Khalipha and councillors on 2 June 2022 held at Ferdie Meyer Hall in Welkom. “DWS will fund refurbishment of water and sanitation infrastructure but there needs to be accountability, if heads need to roll they must roll”, said Mchunu.

Minister Mchunu expressed vehemently his dismay at the situation of the Kutlwanong Waste Water Treatment Works. The plant which was completed in 2017 was completely vandalised as seen during the Minister’s visit. “We cannot keep pumping money to one municipality while there are many others that are having problems”, said Mchunu.

Minister Mchunu addressed issues of operation and maintenance and hiring the correct people for the job instead of friends and family. Issues of security should also be addressed as it takes millions of tax payers money to establish a treatment plant and it becomes vandalised within two years or less. 

According to the Green Drop report released recently by the department 10 out of the 11  Waste Water Treatment Works  in the municipality were found to be in a critical state.

As part of the intervention a Water Services Committee will be established consisting of representatives from DWS, Community representatives, Municipality, Business forums and Independent Engineers. The responsibility of this authority will be to monitor the project and actual work done on the ground. They will report progress and failures of projects and any other issues directly to the Ministry. The Committee was officially introduced to the community at a stakeholders engagement on the same day. “Your work starts today and first meeting should be held tomorrow”, instructed Mchunu.

After assessment it was established that Matjhabeng would need R522 million to refurbish all WWTWs and replacement of 1500km worth of pipeline. Minister told stakeholders that the department has R150 million available for projects to commence immediately and funds will be sourced to complete the work.

Minister Senzo Mchunu has officially appointed Bloemwater as implementing agent. “Use credible, qualified consultants and have iron clad contracts in place so that work can be completed quickly but legally” concluded Mchunu.

Issued by the Department of Water & Sanitation